S4C announces HD U-turn in time for Euro 2016

S4C has announced the launch of a high definition service - just four years after closing previous HD channel, Clirlun.

Bosses at the Welsh language channel said S4C still faces financial uncertainty, but it is no longer viable for it to continue without HD.

Clirlun was scrapped in 2012 to save £1.5m a year.

The move coincides with Wales' first Euro 2016 match against Slovakia on 11 June.

S4C chief executive Ian Jones said it was unacceptable Welsh viewers receive a "substandard service".

"With the international football side competing in their first major tournament since 1958, it's great for the Welsh audience that the games will be available in Welsh and now in HD too," he said.

Mr Jones said funding for the HD service had come from the S4C's "wider budget".

S4C HD will be available on Freesat and Sky in Wales and across the UK from 7 June onwards.